North Dakota State College of Science 2011 graduates are benefitting from the strong North Dakota economy. According to information recently compiled by the NDSCS career services department, the majority of NDSCS career and technical education graduates are getting jobs and staying in North Dakota following the completion of their designated programs at the college.

According to the NDSCS 2011 Graduate Placement Report, 99 percent of 2011 graduates available for employment are employed or continuing their education with 67 percent in a field related to their training or education. Seventy-five percent have accepted employment or are pursuing additional degrees in North Dakota. More specifically, 2011 graduates are now employed within 32 of the 52 North Dakota counties. The survey reported 3.5 jobs for each NDSCS graduate.

Out of the 30 programs reporting, 27 programs recorded 100 percent placement. The highest paid graduate on record receives over $90,000 annually with a North Dakota employer; the annual average salary of 2011 graduates is $33,216.

"NDSCS graduates are finding excellent career opportunities right here in North Dakota and the College is privileged to offer programs for those high-demand careers, such as welding, nursing, agriculture, diesel and computer information systems," said Dr. John Richman, NDSCS president. "The College is dedicated to serving the workforce needs of North Dakota business and industry employers."

The Graduate Placement Report is compiled each year by the NDSCS Career Services department. Statistics for the 2011 Graduate Placement Report are based on information from 532 registered graduates. A detailed report can be found at ndscs.edu/placement.